Chasing the stolen vessel Aurora, the U.S.S. Enterprise rescues the thieves just before the Aurora is destroyed. The group is led by Dr. Sevrin in a search for a mythological planet named Eden, a planet reputed to be a paradise.

"The Way to Eden" was first broadcast February 21, 1969. It was written by Arthur Heinemann, based on a story by Heinemann and D. C. Fontana (using the pen name "Michael Richards"), and directed by David Alexander.

For a really long time -- my childhood through at least my thirties -- I believed that "Adam", played by Charles Napier, was played by the country singer and actor, Jerry Reed. Which, now that I'm looking at photos and considering that Adam sang in the episode, wasn't an entirely unreasonable belief.posted by Ivan Fyodorovich at 12:35 PM on January 9, 2016 [1 favorite]

In my headcannon, the space hippy movement actually succeeded in making drastic changes in Federation society- you can see the result in Star Trek Next Generation. Hence no money, a massive expansion of the Prime Directive, and a reply arrogant belief that they have improved humanity.posted by happyroach at 8:08 PM on January 9, 2016 [3 favorites]

My dad is/was a huge Trekkie--as am I, as the result of upbringing--and this is the episode my mom would always reference when making fun of Trek.

She also hated Hair. Not despite being a flower child, but because of it.posted by duffell at 5:51 AM on January 10, 2016

Spock asking Kirk if he could try speaking to the Severin & Co in the transporter room reminded me of Barbara Billingsley's "Excuse me, but I speak jive" scene in Airplane.posted by oh yeah! at 3:59 PM on January 10, 2016 [3 favorites]